The World Health Organization (WHO) has extended its global health emergency designation for Mpox, citing continued spread and rising fatalities nearly a year after the virus was classified as a major international threat. As of June 2025, Mpox has been confirmed in over 25 countries, with more than 37,000 reported cases and at least 125 deaths. Central and East African nations remain the hardest hit, particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and Burundi, where healthcare systems are strained and access to vaccines remains limited.
West Africa is also experiencing growing challenges. In Sierra Leone, President Julius Maada Bio declared a nationwide health emergency in January 2025 as cases surged, but the outbreak has continued to escalate despite government intervention. The WHO has urged affected countries to ramp up genomic surveillance, accelerate vaccine distribution—especially to frontline workers—and improve public education on symptoms and transmission.
Global health experts warn that failure to contain the virus in endemic regions could lead to more widespread transmission beyond Africa. The current strain of the Mpox virus is reportedly more contagious than in previous outbreaks, prompting renewed calls for international cooperation and funding.WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the need for “urgent, coordinated action” to prevent a broader public health crisis.
